Page 16 - Seniors Today Magazine April 2024
P. 16
Alaimentary
Don’t get Coaxed into a Hoax
Be wary of where you enter and what you let in, cautions Nagesh Alai
Ram Rajya may have been a reality immediately to ensure continuity of power
millennia ago under the rule of the much supply. Manisha pays the amount and feels
revered eponymous divinity, but the world relieved only to discover later from a tech
has gradually degenerated to a kali yuga savvy friend that she has been conned by a
of the present with reprobates ruling the scamster to part with her money. She had
roost and snaring the ingenuous and the got scared and in the heat of the moment
ingenious alike. The dailies scream about did not think twice or bother to look up the
net frauds and tech crimes, alarmingly website to see if any of her electricity bills
endemic. Anyone and everyone could be a are outstanding.
potential victim. Sharad, a 65 years old retiree, gets an
Manisha, a working professional in her e-mail, whilst in a meeting, from a person
mid-30’s, receives a SMS from an unknown whom he knows well, seeking help for
number saying that her electricity bill an urgent remittance of Rs. 26,930 to his
has not been paid and faces immediate nephew stating that he is stuck in the
disconnection of supply if not paid customs to clear some urgent medicines
promptly, along with a number to call that he had to import since that his UPI is
back urgently. Manisha, hard at work, not working. In good faith and as a helpful
does not want any disruption at her home, person, Sharad promptly transfers that
gets scared and calls up the number. Only amount to the indicated bank account and
to be read out a harangue by a so-called informs his friend that he has transferred
electricity supervisor who shares a QR the amount. The friend profusely thanks
code asking her to pay the dues of Rs. 2,700 him for helping him in his hour of need.
16
